Johns Hopkins

The doctor at JHU, Laheru, is fantastic.  He is going to contact my VCU oncologist, Grossman, about arranging for a genetic test for me in an effort to determine if my tumor has a particular genetic trait. If it has the trait he's looking for, Laheru thinks we may be able to tailor my chemotherapy to my particular tumor, rather than selecting chemo based on the experience of other patients (the way most chemo is chosen). The reason Laheru thinks this might work for me is because there's a history of breast cancer in my family. There is a suspected (not proven) genetic link between breast and pancreatic cancer.  Laheru is going to suggest to Grossman that they stay in close communication about my treatment and progress, with Grossman being in charge.  Laheru said he'd take over any time I ask, but for now he is happy to participate from the sidelines.  He's an impressive guy and I really like him.  Whether I change primary oncologists and put Laheru in the pilot seat depends on Grossman's response to Laheru. I only met Grossman once, but like him too (and his CV is insanely impressive).  I have a feeling he'd welcome a collaborative effort with Laheru.  We shall see.  I love having choices.  Chemo restarts Monday, 3/5. Yippee.

Waiting for the great unknown

As I mentioned in my last post, I had my MRI and CT scan on Monday, and am am currently awaiting the results. I will get them, along with a complete explanation, tomorrow when I meet Dr. Grossman for the first time. I'm looking forward to a fresh perspective and am hoping like hell for good news. It's supposed to be a rainy, dreary day, so hopefully that's not an omen or anything like one. (I don't really believe in that stuff.) Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst. That's my way. I'm still getting a second opinion at Johns Hopkins next week, and am looking forward to that as well. Hopefully I will be then cleared to go on vacation for a week. Elaine and I need some Florida. What happens after that is anyone's guess. One thing that has occupied a good deal of my thinking lately is the emotional/mental impact this whole experience is having on me. There are times when I'm keenly aware that my brain isn't as sharp as it was even 6 months ago. The impact of chemotherapy on my memory and thought processes has been significant. It frustrates me often. I also get extremely anxious and sometimes just plain sad about what the future likely holds for me. It isn't constant or a morbid obsession, but it happens and I have to cope with it; so far so good. I find room for optimism at times too. I'm glad I have my family and friends to continually prop me up when I'm down, and to laugh with me when I'm not. I've been sick for 10 months now, and I've needed every boost I've gotten from my peeps. For this I am truly thankful. Mike

Luck

So, VCU recently hired a new doctor to be the head of the entire Medical Oncology group, and he's an internationally recognized pancreatic cancer specialist, with an impressive CV...he has just started seeing patients since getting settled in Richmond, and has offered to take over for my current oncologist, even to act as a surrogate for Hopkins so I can keep getting chemo at VCU Stony Point, whose oncology nurses I absolutely adore. I am a seriously lucky guy, and very impressed with VCU's responsiveness to my complaints. I am so happy to have a choice as I move forward. Tomorrow is my 12th chemotherapy treatment and last of the current round. On Monday, 2/13, I am having both an MRI and CT scan to see what, if any, progress I have made. The new doctor, Dr. Grossman, will see me on 2/16 to deliver and explain the results, and let me know what he thinks I should do next. I can then take all of that with me to Johns Hopkins on 2/24 for a second opinion. After that, I will decide who will be my primary oncologist moving forward. I'm feeling good and optimistic. Thanks to my friends and family for all of the continued support. I'm still 195 lbs., so I foresee this fight going on for some time. I really want to win.